The Forest of Zhongfu (the 64th hexagram Zhongfu)

困　播枝折岐，與母別離。絕不相知。（旅之大過）

The hexagram of Not Yet Completed leads to the hexagram of Strife. The branches that were spread out are broken off and separated from the main trunk, cutting off communication and leaving no further contact. This signifies a situation where family members are divided, with no news or communication between them. The person consulting the oracle is likely to be separated from a close relative, and communication is difficult. It is advisable to establish means of contact early on, to avoid permanent separation.

井　天旱水涸，枯槁無澤。困於沙石，未有所獲。

The hexagram of Not Yet Completed corresponds to a dry well. Heaven has not rained for a long time, the water source has dried up, and the grass and trees are withered and lack any moisture. Trapped in a pile of sand and stones, there is nothing to gain. This indicates that the source is dry and the land is barren, labor is in vain. The person seeking something here finds no resources available. It is advisable to look for another place with flowing water. To remain here is to waste effort in vain.

革　圭璧琮璜，執贄見王。百里甯戚，應聘齊秦。

The hexagram is "Not Yet Completed" changing to "Revolution." Holding jade objects such as jui, bi, cong, and huang as gifts to pay homage to the king; the virtuous men Bai LiXi and Ning Qi were respectively employed by the State of Qin and Qi. These two cases are recorded in "The Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of Qin" and "The Biographies of Guan Zhong and Yan Ying." This indicates that the person named Lin Dagji is one who uses proper etiquette to gain favor, and virtuous men are being appointed. The diviner is at the right time to seek official positions through respectful visits, and is likely to be employed.

鼎　龍渴求飲，雲黑景從。河伯捧醴，跪進酒漿，流潦滂滂。

The hexagram of Not Yet Completed (未济) transforms into the hexagram of the Cauldron (鼎). The dragon is thirsty and seeks water to drink, with dark clouds following its shadow. The river god holds a sweet wine, kneeling to present the wine and soup, thus causing the water to flow in a torrent. This is a great auspicious omen. It signifies that whatever one desires will come to fruition, with both superiors and inferiors showing respect and support. Those who seek will have their needs fulfilled abundantly, and the fulfillment will come naturally and smoothly, indicating a favorable omen of things coming together effortlessly.

震　雹梅零蔕，心思積憤，亂我雲氣。

The hexagram Zhen arises from Wei Ji. Hail beats down the plums, their fruit stems fall and scatter across the ground; inner thoughts accumulate into anger, disturbing the originally peaceful state. This indicates that the person in question is disturbed by external pressures, leading to inner turmoil. The one seeking divination has recently been troubled by unsettled emotions, which have their own cause. It is advisable to vent accumulated anger and avoid letting emotional disturbances interfere with important matters.

艮　鹿求其子，虎廬之西。唐伯李耳，貪不我許。（煥之既濟，隨之否）

The hexagram is "Not Yet Achieved" (Wèijì) and the trigram is "Mountain" (Gèn). The mother deer is searching for her young, but finds it on the west side of the tiger's den. Tang Bo and Li Er were originally alternative names for the tiger, as mentioned in the "Dialects" (Fāngyán). It is greedy by nature, how could it be willing to return the young deer to me? The owner of this forest is seeking something that has fallen into the hands of a powerful and ruthless person, and there is no hope of recovering it. Those who cast this divination should stop early and protect themselves, not risk further danger by pursuing the matter.

漸　穿匏挹水，構鐵燃火。勞瘦力竭，飢渴為禍。

The hexagram is "Not Yet Completed" progressing to "Gradual." Digging through a gourd to draw water, setting up iron tools to make fire; people become exhausted and thin, their strength used up, yet hunger and thirst become the real trouble. This indicates that the person in charge is using inappropriate tools and methods, working in vain and suffering hardship. The diviner's approach and tools are not suitable; it is advisable to try a different method, otherwise the more one tries, the more embarrassed and trapped one becomes.

歸妹　龍生馬淵，壽考且神。舍宿軒轅，居樂常安。

The hexagram of Not Yet Completed meets the hexagram of Marriage. A dragon arises from the deep to produce a noble steed, which is both long-lived and capable of communicating with spirits; it rests beneath the star mansion of Xuanyuan, dwelling in joy and enjoying constant stability. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating the emergence of valuable treasures and a secure dwelling. Those who consult this oracle may expect the birth of outstanding talent within their family or the occurrence of remarkable events, and they will enjoy long-term peace and happiness.

豐　崔嵬北嶽，天神貴客。溫仁正直，主布恩德。衣冠不已，蒙受大福。

The hexagram of Great Abundance in the hexagram of Not Yet Completed. The majestic northern mountain, Mount Heng, is the place where heavenly deities and honored guests come to visit; its master is warm-hearted, kind, and upright, spreading great benevolence. Scholars and officials come and go continuously, and all are blessed with great fortune. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating a person of high moral character and great reputation, with many guests coming to pay homage. Those who benefit others will be widely admired and enjoy deep blessings.

旅　鬼夜哭泣，齊失其國，為下所賊。

The hexagram of Unfinished Journey. A ghost cries at night, and the state of Qi thus loses its ancestral temple, with the ruler killed by his minister. The field of Tian replaced Qi, and Chen Heng killed Jian Gong, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Tian Jingzhong." This is a great凶 (misfortune), indicating strange omens appearing beforehand, with subordinates attacking superiors and the country falling. Those who interpret the oracle should beware of changes within the ranks and must not give others an opportunity to attack.

巽　二政多門，君失其權。三家專制，禍起季孫。

The hexagram is "Not Yet Completed" (未济) and the line is "Wind" (巽). When orders come from two sources and there are many gateways, the ruler loses authority. In Lu country, the three families of Ji, Meng, and Meng held power, and the trouble began with the family of Ji. This is recorded in the "Analects of Confucius" and the "Zuo Zhuan." The ruler here has lost control, and the ministers have taken over. The diviner should consolidate orders and unify commands; otherwise, calamity will arise from within the state and family.

兌　望幸不到，文章未就。三子逐兔，犬踦不得。

The hexagram is "Not Yet Completed" (未济) and the trigram is "Lake" (兑). Expecting the king's favor but he never comes, and the splendid writings remain unfinished. Three people chase a wild rabbit, but the hunting dog has a lame leg and they fail to catch it. The forest master's hopes are in vain, his endeavors fail at the last moment. The one divining expects an opportunity that does not arrive and a matter that lacks one crucial step. It is advisable to first correct one's own deficiencies rather than remain idle in expectation.

渙　伯虎仲熊，德義淵弘。使布五教，陰陽順序。

The hexagram of Not Yet Achieved corresponds to the hexagram of Dispersal. Bo Hu and Zhong Xiong were both virtuous men among the "Eight Masters" of the high sage Emperor Gao Xin, possessing profound moral integrity and righteousness. Shun sent them to proclaim the five teachings of fatherly righteousness, maternal kindness, fraternal friendship, younger brotherly respect, and filial piety throughout the land. The "Zuo Zhuan · Wen Gong Eighteenth Year" records this event, leading to the harmonization of yin and yang and the orderly establishment of moral principles. This is the case of Lin Da Ji, where virtuous men spread education, resulting in widespread moral transformation.

節　兩足四翼，飛入家國。寧我伯姊，與母相得。

In the hexagram of Not Yet Completed, a auspicious bird with two legs and four wings appears, flying into my country and family. It brings peace and harmony, particularly between my elder sister and her mother. This is a great auspicious sign, indicating the entrance of good fortune into the family, harmonious relations among family members, and a portent of joy within the household. It is favorable for family gatherings and sharing family bonds.

中孚　春秋禱祝，解禍除憂，君無災咎。

In the hexagram of Not Yet Completed (未济), the image of Sincerity (中孚) appears. By performing worship and prayers at the spring and autumn seasons according to the proper time, calamities can be resolved and worries dispelled. The ruler incurs no misfortune or error. This indicates that the person in question sincerely worships the gods, thus eliminating misfortune. The diviner should follow the proper time and observe the rites with reverence and caution. Any worries can be appeased, making this a favorable omen of peace and safety.

小過　牧羊稻園，聞虎喧讙。畏懼悚息，終無禍患。（剝之損，井之否，隨之漸）

The hexagram is "Not Yet Completed" and the line is "Minor Excess." In a rice field or garden area, someone was herding sheep and heard a tiger's roar. Although they were frightened, holding their breath and trembling with fear, they ultimately did not suffer any harm. The forest owner experienced a false alarm, with no real danger. The person casting the divination is currently experiencing fear without actual harm; they should remain cautious and careful. After the wind passes, everything will be safe.

既濟　大蛇巨魚，相搏於郊。君臣隔塞，郭公出廬。

The hexagram of Not Yet Completed transforms into the hexagram of Already Completed. A great snake and a huge fish fight in the outskirts, an ominous omen appears, and there is a rift between the sovereign and his ministers, leading to the departure of Guo Gong from his country. In the Spring and Autumn Annals, Duke Zhuang's 24th year records "Guo Gong," and the Commentary of Gongyang interprets this as Guo Gong losing his state. This forest master presents an unusual omen as a warning, indicating the separation of sovereign and ministers, resulting in loss of position and departure from the country. Those interpreting the omen should promptly communicate between superiors and inferiors, avoiding the disaster caused by suspicion and discord. The entire book of sixty-four hexagrams and four thousand nine hundred sixty forests ends here.